Rubicon with Max Tow Build

[WXman]

I agree. The reason the manual is rated so much lower is directly related to it's lighter duty build. It's got a very light clutch pedal and the internals are not rated for big power or heavy loads. If I was towing 4,000 lbs. with a Gladiator on a regular basis, I'd still go with the 850RFE transmission regardless of the fact that the D478 technically could tow it.

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[steffen707]

But the exact same truck (same tires, breaks, frame, and suspension) just different transmission can haul 2k more?

I wouldn't call it "just a transmission". No telling why that tyranny is rated for 2k more. Wanna blow your trans while towing your boat to the lake?

 

[DropW]

If one was to buy an automatic Max tow ... then later bolted up a beefy manual ... could one slip through the legal cracks ?

 

[steffen707]

If one was to buy an automatic Max tow ... then later bolted up a beefy manual ... could one slip through the legal cracks ?

you mean a beefier than stock manual transmission?

And not in the USA. The vehicle was tested and rated from factory, if you do a bunch of work to it the DOT isn't going to bless it without (assumed) expensive testing.

 

[DropW]

Yeah, beefier than stock ... I don't know if you could even do it . I personally wouldn't bother with it . People do transmission, powertrain, suspension, body mods on thousands of vehicles though . I was just wondering if since the sticker on the frame would say it originally had max tow automatic transmission, does that tow weight capacity carry over after modifications ? Example, people alter their suspension and tires all the time on Wranglers and other trucks, even change out different size and type engines, which would surely change factory tow values... but because of the sticker in the USA, would it still be considered legal within bounds of towing that heavy weight ? If you can change suspension and tires without it affecting that max load, why couldn't you change the transmission ? Or are certain parts an exception to the Tow rating from factory sticker amount ?
Hehe I guess my question is, how much modification are you legally able to do before your factory sticker tow rating gets tossed out by DOT ?

 

[steffen707]

Yeah, beefier than stock ... I don't know if you could even do it . I personally wouldn't bother with it . People do transmission, powertrain, suspension, body mods on thousands of vehicles though . I was just wondering if since the sticker on the frame would say it originally had max tow automatic transmission, does that tow weight capacity carry over after modifications ? Example, people alter their suspension and tires all the time on Wranglers and other trucks, even change out different size and type engines, which would surely change factory tow values... but because of the sticker in the USA, would it still be considered legal within bounds of towing that heavy weight ? If you can change suspension and tires without it affecting that max load, why couldn't you change the transmission ? Or are certain parts an exception to the Tow rating from factory sticker amount ?
Hehe I guess my question is, how much modification are you legally able to do before your factory sticker tow rating gets tossed out by DOT ?

I don't know, but i would be more concerned about getting in an accident, and being sued because you were over towing for your vehicle. Gotta talk to my property casualty guy about mods. No idea how that works.

 

[jeepguy225]

Dam, all these posts about towing has got me thinking that as much as I like/want a manual (I was 100% manual JT until the last few days), I'd really hate to spend a lot of $$$ on a Rubicon and be limited on any possible towing. Example: A flatbed vehicle trailer with a built off road rig on it or towing a large (rented) camping trailer would max out the towing capacity of the manual. Now I'm undecided.

 

[WXman]

I'm pretty sure that the GCVW rating stamped on the door placard IS the law. I have never heard of a way to get around that by installing aftermarket equipment of any kind on the truck. Perhaps some states allow for it, but I know KY certainly doesn't and I work in the Transportation business and I've never heard of it being done.

I would strongly suggest buying the vehicle with the towing/payload rating that you need rather than assuming you can alter it and make it legal later.

 

[DropW]

I'm pretty sure that the GCVW rating stamped on the door placard IS the law. I have never heard of a way to get around that by installing aftermarket equipment of any kind on the truck. Perhaps some states allow for it, but I know KY certainly doesn't and I work in the Transportation business and I've never heard of it being done.

I would strongly suggest buying the vehicle with the towing/payload rating that you need rather than assuming you can alter it and make it legal later.

So you are saying that you could buy the maximum tow rated option and then swap out an automatic transmission with a manual and it still be legally able to tow what was printed on the placard ?

 

[smlobx]

So you are saying that you could buy the maximum tow rated option and then swap out an automatic transmission with a manual and it still be legally able to tow what was printed on the placard ?

No! I’m pretty sure he’s saying buy the max tow with the auto tranny and live with it...

Your only other option is to buy a Ram truck with a manual...

 

[DamonC64]

So you are saying that you could buy the maximum tow rated option and then swap out an automatic transmission with a manual and it still be legally able to tow what was printed on the placard ?

Yes, the officer pulling you over will base wether you are legal or not based on what is stamped on the placard.

 

[BlackDog]

Yes, the officer pulling you over will base wether you are legal or not based on what is stamped on the placard.

You've peeked my interest...what would the officer do if the placard is missing? I lost mine on my current Jeep many years ago. (Not trying to be difficult, but given my current situation I'm curious.)

 

[Karnaj]

You've peeked my interest...what would the officer do if the placard is missing? I lost mine on my current Jeep many years ago. (Not trying to be difficult, but given my current situation I'm curious.)

In all honesty... provably cite you for not being compliant with regulatory law, and possibly fine you anyway.

 

[DropW]

Yes, the officer pulling you over will base wether you are legal or not based on what is stamped on the placard.

Neat, kind of a loop hole for those with a ton of cash and know how . I won't ever go to those kind of lengths, but very interesting . Would be cool to see someone be able to get a beefier manual and modify like that and see how it handles that max load . And if they pulled it off, sounds like they could get away with it and be the envy of many

 

[WXman]

So you are saying that you could buy the maximum tow rated option and then swap out an automatic transmission with a manual and it still be legally able to tow what was printed on the placard ?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.

You'd ruin the clutch in very short order, but you'd be legal.

You've peeked my interest...what would the officer do if the placard is missing? I lost mine on my current Jeep many years ago. (Not trying to be difficult, but given my current situation I'm curious.)

Being ticketed by DMV Vehicle Enforcement for improper labels and improper loading of vehicles is something that I see every day. But in my opinion, a more serious concern is what would happen with your insurance company in the event of a crash. If you're driving a Gladiator with a 4,000 lb. tow capacity and you're pulling 5,000 lbs. and you accidentally run into the rear of another vehicle and seriously injure or kill them, the insurance companies will almost certainly financially ruin your life.

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